“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
In preaching a sermon series from the Book of Genesis, we begin with creation and its wonders. Genesis 1–2 tells the story of God’s creation of the world. On the first day, God created light in the darkness. On the second, He created the sky. Dry land and plants were created on the third day. On the fourth day, God created the sun, the moon and the stars. Water and sky animals were made on the fifth day, and on the sixth day, land animals and people were created.
Many things have happened since the world was first created, including the entrance of sin into a perfect world (which we will also be preaching about, and which, in fact, is the story of the Bible right up until its last two chapters when the Garden of Eden scene reappears and a “new heaven and a new earth” come into existence). Until that time, however, how should we view and experience God’s creation that we live in? The bible says, “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning — the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31) If God enjoys His creation, so should we!
The waves that crash upon the sandy beaches of the Caribbean Sea, the trees that tower toward the sun in the incredible forests of California, the white or grey or black clouds that float in the sky above Alberta, the splendour of the Rocky Mountains in Canada – these are all a part of God’s creation. In Genesis, God called His creation “good” and gave Adam the task of working and caring for it and, I would add, enjoying and appreciating it and worshipping God who created it. The angels in heaven cry out, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11)
Seeing God’s creation can invite us into a deeper admiration for God and His handiwork. In nature, surrounded by His creation, we may feel closer to Him. The beauty of creation is a reminder of God. When we respect any part of God’s creation, be it nature or another human being, we are seeing value in what God created and admiring the creator.
So, this week, consider doing the following things: Because the weather is nice in Edmonton in the summer, go for a walk with friends or family members and look for the beauty of nature. Talk over with those you are with about creation and the blessings that have come to you through it. Take turns describing something in nature and consider its life cycle. Show your appreciation for the beauty of nature. Pray to God a prayer of praise and adoration for His wondrous creative ability and the intricacy of nature that He has made. In short, spend time in wonder and worship. You will be blessed for doing so.
